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New Menu at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

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A new menu has debuted at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Learn About:Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

In case you haven’t been to Sci-Fi, it’s basically a giant indoor drive-in theater! The all-day menu (lunch and dinner) is served to guests dining in convertible car/tables (awesome!) while old clips of B-movies are shown on a giant screen. The sky twinkles with “stars,” and there’s even a “concession stand” (aka, the kitchen) at the back of the restaurant.

And we love when we get to share updates about the eats — so let’s take a look!

New Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant Menu

I love the addition of the Buffalo Popcorn Chicken, and I’m SUPER glad that the Picnic Burger was left on the menu! It’s monstrous, but well worth it! (You can read my review here!)

Here’s the full new menu! Scroll down to see what’s been removed and what’s been added!

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Menu - click image for larger version

Appetizer Updates

Buffalo Potato Skins have been substituted with [Read more…]

Guest Review: Captain’s Grille Breakfast Buffet at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

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Today, we’re welcoming back Emma Snobbish with a review of the Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Her review highlights the breakfast buffet!

Learn About:Captain’s Grille
Disney World Restaurants

When you’re contemplating breakfast choices around Walt Disney World Resort, the Captain’s Grille may not be on your radar.

“Oh, yeah – that one at the Yacht Club?” you might say.

That’s what I said, but on my family’s trip this January we wanted to try something new — someplace where we would be able to get a walk-up reservation. We had also heard tell of the Captain’s breakfast buffet, so we decided to give it a try.

Atmosphere

The Captain’s Grille is just off the Yacht Club Resort’s lobby. You’ve passed it if you’ve ever taken the stroll from the Beach Club to the Yacht Club.

Outside the Captain’s Grille

Behind its fresh, white French doors you’ll see soft nautical stripes, and model boats and paintings of seaside scenes hanging on the walls.

The Main Dining Room

Once inside the restaurant, you’ll see a kid-sized waiting area complete with coloring sheets and crayons!

Children’s Coloring Area – the Crayons are Kept in a Little Boat!

The themeing here is subtle but still charming. I loved the compass design on the center of the tables and the beach waves etched on the chairs.

Big arched openings at the edges of the restaurant look out over the hallway leading to the signature restaurant — Yachtsman Steakhouse — and Stormalong Bay, the giant pool and play area shared between the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Kinda fun for people watching during your meal, although if you’d rather something more quiet there are plenty of [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Three Must-Try Disney Snacks for 2013

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Have you joined the Disney snack revolution?

Whether you’re a veteran snack-seeker or new to the search for phenomenal Disney snacks, your next Disney vacation should include memorable eats.

And to help you and your family indulge, our The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book includes an expanded Snacks Chapter this year, along with our top 11 MUST-try snacks for 2013!

Today, we’re going to share three of our favorites from that list of 11 must-try snacks. But we’ve got plenty of recommendations where those came from in the DFB Guide! Pick up your copy here for an extra $4 off using code 2013 for a limited time!

Three Must-Eat Disney Snacks for 2013

Now without further ado, here are three of our 11 must-eat snacks recommended for 2013!

Potato Leek Soup

At the new Be Our Guest Restaurant, jaws tend to drop when taking in the imagineering marvels. While enjoying the scenery, treat your taste buds to the Potato Leek Soup.

Potato Leek Soup

For the biggest bang for your buck – and a filling option – the rich and creamy Potato Leek Soup is satisfyingly thick with potato chunks and leeks. It’s an incredible flavor that can be easily enjoyed as a light meal or unique snack.

Served at both lunch and dinner, the soup makes an awesome savory snack choice. Note that it’s marked as a Disney Dining Plan snack credit during lunch, but we’re not sure if you can use a credit at dinner.

Chocolate Mickey Ganache

An incredible Landscape of Flavors creation (found at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort), this snack speaks to our sweet cravings.

The Chocolate Mickey Ganache includes a chocolatey crust is filled with gooey chocolate ganache in the shape of Mickey Mouse! A white chocolate Mickey face adds a familiar smile.

Chocolate Mickey Ganache

Cheesy Pesto Bread

Another Landscape of Flavors creation offers innovative eats that are [Read more…]

Best Disney World Restaurants for Fish Fry

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With Lent on the horizon — and with a few questions from readers recently about where to get a great fish fry in Disney World — I knew that now would be the perfect time to check out the best places to find that golden battered goodness at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Let’s check out some of the best fried fish in Disney World…

Best Disney World Restaurants for a Fish Fry

United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot

You can’t go wrong for fish and chips in the delicacy’s home pavilion in Epcot.

Fish and Chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Whether you take a load off at the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room or grab some fried food to go from Yorkshire County Fish Shop, you’re in for a mild but authentic taste of one of England’s best exports.

While you’re there, enjoy a beer and a performance by The British Revolution or the Pub’s Hat Lady.

Cookes of Dublin and Raglan Road in Downtown Disney

If you find yourself in need of a fish fix while you’re “Downtown,” head over to the Pleasure Island District for two authentic and delicious options. The One & One at Cookes of Dublin is one of our favorites on property.

Cooked to order and served piping hot, the fish is flaky and tender.

Fish and Chips from Cooke’s of Dublin

But if you have the time for a slower meal, you may want to consider the famous beer battered fish and chips on the lunch menu at Raglan Road Irish Pub right next door.

Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom

Here in Liberty Square, you can enjoy a counter service battered fish basket with broccoli, apples, or French fries at Columbia Harbour House counter service restaurant. The proportion of breading to fish is perfect, and the fish isn’t too oily.

Fried Chicken and Fish at Columbia Harbour House

Fried Chicken and Fish at Columbia Harbour House (photo from Kelly Amey via the DFB Flickr Group) 

Citricos at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For a slightly more upscale take on the English classic, take a monorail ride to the Grand Floridian and pull up a chair at Citricos. There, you should order the melt-in-your-mouth pan-fried Florida black grouper, which gets [Read more…]

Valentine’s Day Menu: La Luce by Donna Scala at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort

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One of our favorite Italian eateries in Walt Disney World, La Luce by Donna Scala, has thrown its hat into the Valentine’s Day ring with a special menu!

Seating at La Luce

The restaurant, located within the maingate of Disney World at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, offers fresh and imaginative takes on Italian cuisine. You can read my review of a wonderful dinner here!

If you’re in town and don’t want to battle Disney crowds for Valentine’s Day, take advantage of this incredible menu. They’ll actually be serving the special menu February 14, 15, and 16.

La Luce Offers a Special Menu for Valentine's Weekend

My suggestion? [Read more…]

News! Menu Changes at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort

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Editor’s Note: In addition to the peanut dipping sauce, sweet and sour sauce is now being offered again. Thanks to Disney Mom Leslie for this update!Thanks to Disney Mom’s Panelist and DFB Friend Leslie Krzan for reporting on menu changes at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Learn About:‘Ohana
Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

We’ve got some interesting news about a few menu updates at guest favorite restaurant, ‘Ohana.

According to a server, changes were made to the menu here about a month ago with the posted menu outside of the restaurant still showing the old menu items. Let’s take a look at what’s been updated with this menu-go-round.

‘Ohana Salad Dressing Update

The fan-favorite honey lime dressing has been a stand-out at ‘Ohana as well as a much requested recipe, however it did not make the latest menu cut. Here’s Leslie’s take:

The new salad features a passion fruit vinaigrette with chunks of passion fruit and mandarin oranges. I don’t eat salad, but my husband said the salad was just OK. He really liked the old honey lime dressing. In fact, he usually eats the whole bowl of salad himself, but left about half of it this time.

New Salad at 'Ohana

DFB reader Anne T. also wrote to let us know about the change. She feels similarly about the new dressing: “The new dressing is still good, but not as good as the honey lime,” she says.

‘Ohana Stir-Fried Veggie Update

The vegetable dish has changed as well with this recent menu update. Here’s what Leslie discovered: [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Gourmet Marshmallows at Trolley Treats

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When you’re looking for a tasty treat (which, of course, you ARE on Mardi Gras), a must stop shop on Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street is Trolley Treats.

Trolly Treats on Buena Vista Street

The aroma of the candy kitchen entices you as you pass the picture window where you’ll often see candy makers creating one of their signature Trolley Treats items: The Gourmet Marshmallow.

Marshmallow Making at Trolley Treats

Sold either individually for $3.49 from the counter, or in packs of two for $5.95 from the store’s display, the hand made fluffy squares are available in several different flavors.

Trolley Treats Marshmallow Display

The flavors I went with were Banana Split, S’mores, Luscious Lemon, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Madness. I have to say all of them were great, but it was a serious sugar overload.

Normally I’d say just get an individual one and share it with someone, but hey, I was “working.” Let’s take a look at them all:

Banana Split Gourmet Marshmallow

First up, let’s go with the Banana Split. Topped with a cherry, this fun marshmallow is adorable and delicious. In fact, I think I’d call it my favorite. I love banana flavored items though, so this was right up my alley.

Banana Split Gourmet Marshmallow

The banana flavor reminded me a bit of banana flavored Laffy Taffy — sort of artificial, but the added chocolate drizzle, caramel & cherry on top made it the perfect combination to impersonate a mini banana split.

I love watching the candy makers in action and happened to get some [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Dining with Picky Eaters in Disney World

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Got a picky eater in Disney World?

Worried about finding food that your young (or young-at-heart!) “selective” eaters will enjoy during your Walt Disney World vacation? You’re not alone!

Lots of families have at least one picky eater in their midst, and we’ve collected tons of tips during our Disney dining experiences.

Our readers note fussy eaters as a top concern, so The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book includes a lengthy section on how to plan your Disney dining when your trip includes less-adventurous eaters.

We’ve got plenty of tried and true advice in the DFB Guide on satisfying choosy diners without making the rest of the family sacrifice interesting eats. Pick up your copy here for an extra $4 off using code 2013 for a limited time!

Grown-up picky eater? Order an adult portion of a kids menu item!

You’ll find valuable information that will allow your family to enjoy a variety of restaurants! Here are just a few of our many suggestions!

Buffet restaurants offer plenty of choice for picky and adventurous eaters alike! Try Boma and Tusker House for a true variety.

3 Top Tips for Dining with Picky Eaters in Disney World

Your picky eater dilemma can range from a kid insistent on only chicken nuggets for meals to an adult with a non-adventurous palate. Let’s look at three tips that can help your family!

Take Advantage of Appetizers or A La Carte Menus. Often a restaurant will have an appetizer that is familiar to a picky eater — salads, soups, and flatbreads (pretty ubiquitous at Disney World) work well for adults with simple palates. If there’s an appetizer that looks…well…appetizing, ask for a meal-sized portion. Is your toddler only eating mashed potatoes this week? As long as you see the item on a dish some where on the menu, you can order it as a side or meal.

Just Ask! Don’t be shy. Ask your server if the chef can whip up a grilled cheese if that’s your kiddo’s favorite, or an adult portion of chicken nuggets from the kids’ menu if Uncle Bob would prefer it. Your server and the chef have heard much more difficult requests than yours, and their goal is to make your family happy — so speak up.

Even Mac and Cheese can be fancy -- and many restaurants will make it for you!

Simplify Your Selections and make Substitutions. It’s okay to ask for a plain burger instead of the dressed up bacon cheeseburger. And you won’t be the first guest to ask for a grilled chicken breast with no special sauce, or a sandwich without the veggies. I do it all the time!

We have plenty more great ideas and experience-based information on dining with picky eaters and adventurous eaters, as well as kids, big groups, and more — and it’s ALL sandwiched in our 400+-page DFB Guide!

Now’s the time to order The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 for help with all of your Disney Dining needs. We’ve dined with picky eaters and can tell you what to expect!

Our up-to-date dining tips will help your family enjoy a stress-free vacation! Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 E-book — and use code 2013 for an extra $4 discount for a [Read more…]

Review: Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney Orlando

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Time to head back to one of my favorite counter service spots in Disney World — Wolfgang Puck Express!

Learn About:Wolfgang Puck Express
Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

WPE offers consistently delicious food in an atmosphere that may make you think you’ve wandered into a table service restaurant. And with locations in both the Marketplace and West Side ends of Downtown Disney, you’re never far from one of their excellent meals.

Normally, it’s the Marketplace location that we favor as it’s bigger and has much more seating. But today we decided to give the West Side location a try. (If you’d like to see the details of my last Wolfgang Puck Express Marketplace visit, click here.)

Located just next to Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Dining Room, this location offers great eats for everyone. From grab and go, to pizza and more, there are really some incredible options here.

Wolfgang Puck Express West Side Sign

Let’s head in and check it out!

Atmosphere

Wolfgang Puck Express West Side is impossible to miss, situated across from Splitsville and the AMC Theatre. You’ll find the entrance tucked just to the left of the restaurant’s main door.

Wolfgang Puck Express West Side

I enjoy visiting WPE during the day. While the restaurant takes on a chic, modern vibe at night, the sun streaming in during daylight hours makes for a bright, cheerful spot.

Indoor Seating

Of course, there is also outdoor seating and this busy area offers primo people-watching opportunities. The ceiling fans and overhang make it quite comfortable as long as you’re not visiting during the height of summer.

Outdoor Seating

The open kitchen allows you to watch as chefs prepare the goodies — especially pizzas, for which WPE is famous.

On Stage Kitchen and Pizza Oven

Time to Make the Pizzas

Here’s the star of Wolfgang Puck’s — the [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 10, 2013

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Who’s gearing up for Valentine’s Day? Disney, that’s who!

True Love Week starts in Disney Parks tomorrow!

If you’re planning to be in the parks this week, you’ll find plenty of decorated treats and eats celebrating the holiday. And Disney World and Disneyland are both offering some great specialty romantic dinners!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Disney Dining News

In the news this week…

We’ve got additional food news, including restaurant closures, Mardi Gras at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney Anaheim, and LOTS more, on our Disney Food News Pin Board! Head over and check it out!

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Our Facebook Friend Lynda shared this photo of specialty Mardi Gras cupcakes from the French Market Restaurant in Disneyland. “Both Mardi Gras cupcakes were great. Front cupcake is Red Velvet. Back cupcake is Chocolate Raspberry. Break open the chocolate dome and you have a nice surprise of chocolate mousse.”

Mardi Gras Cupcakes.

And here’s an awesome Star Wars Valentine’s Yoda Gift from Target sent to us by Reader Jon.

Yoda Plush and Valentine Conversation Hearts!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013

This week we celebrated the grand launch of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2013 visits, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining opportunities while in Disney World.

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 400 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite things — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next vacation! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2013 to get a $4 discount for a limited time!

If you purchased the 2012 Guide and would like to purchase the 2013 Guide, we’ve got a special discount for repeat purchasers. Email me here to get a limited-time, one-use, exclusive discount code to purchase the 2013 Guide at a $6 discount. Please include the email address you used to purchase the 2012 Guide in the body of your email.

Three Great e-Books: Over 30% Off!

For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

Want even more savings?! We’ve bundled three of our most popular guides into one discounted price! Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers:

  • The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013, PLUS
  • The DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, AND
  • The DFB Mini-Guide to Epcot Snacks

All three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $29.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $42.00.

Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here!

On to the Round-Up

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups

goes to Epcot’s Via Napoli for Aqua Fresca.

Yesterland takes a look at the history of the Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure.

AllEars shares an unexpected imagineering marvel at Be Our Guest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.

DisneyCaribbeanBeach.com shares the new menu from Shutters at this tropical Disney World resort!

Designing Disney tours Pizzeria Bella Notte restaurant at Disneyland Paris.

Running at Disney enjoys breakfast at the BoardWalk Inn’s Kouzzina, including allergen-free waffles!

Main Street Gazette stops by the new Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles in Epcot’s France pavilion.

Orange County Register reports on Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year treat — Boudin sourdough loaf in the shape of a snake.




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